Clare Lorraine earns MCPF
‘Do no harm’ is a fundamental principle of the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) accreditation process. This credo forms the basis for professional picture framing credentials and standards. Custom picture framing encompasses the preservation, protection, and presentation of art, artifacts, and documents.
There are 75 Master Certified Picture Framers (MCPF) worldwide, with the MCPF being the highest certification level within the PPFA. Framers are eligible to take the MCPF examination only after five years of professional experience, passing the Certified Picture Framer (CPF) exam, and being re-certified at least once. It’s an arduous journey.
In case you missed it, our very own Clare Lorraine earned her MCPF designation last October. Clare is dedicated to her profession and is a lifelong learner, so it's no surprise she pursued her MCPF. She also had the privilege of working under the guidance of another MCPF, Valerie Becker. Together, Clare and Valerie make a formidable team, and clients greatly appreciate having their expertise for design projects.
Pictured above: Elli Wollangk, MCPF (examiner), Clare Lorraine, MCPF and Robin Gentry, MCPF (examiner)
New Rochester Sign
This was a significant milestone for us. We upgraded our building sign to leverage our prime location on one of the busiest streets in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. Rochester Framing & Fine Art Printing is located at 400 Broadway Avenue South, Rochester, MN. Our neighboring businesses include Limb Lab, Cambria, and Winona State University - Rochester.
Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse
The Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse - Rochester project was an incredibly enjoyable undertaking. These large-format images are from Kodachrome film captured in the 1940s. The people featured are genuine, and the photos were candidly taken at their job locations. We scanned the slides, corrected the images, printed, mounted and framed the images.
Northfield Framing has a new address
The new Northfield Framing and Fine Art Printing address is 105 East 4th Street, Northfield, MN 55057, which is just one block east of our current Bridge Square location. We should be in our new location by May 1, 2002. Better parking!
Gunnar gonna Gunnar
Our Gunnar is a beautiful machine that exemplifies Swiss engineering and precision.
Forever Framed
In today's world, the phrase "commitment to quality" often sounds like marketing jargon. However, as certified professional framers, we take it seriously. This means using the highest grade of conservation materials when framing your artworks, photographs, special objects, and memorabilia. Over the past 30 years, the conservation and archiving industries have made significant strides, constantly improving standards and practices. As conservation-conscious framers, we adhere to the guidelines set by the Professional Picture Framer's Association to ensure your projects last a lifetime and beyond. As certified experts, we are dedicated to continuing education in this field.
When designing and building a framing project, we follow three essential principles: Protection, Preservation, and Presentation. Not every project requires all three, but we always prioritize "Do No Harm" by considering conservation methods and materials first.
Protection:
We use UV protective glazing (glass or acrylic) from TruVue, made right here in Minnesota, to mitigate the risk of light damage. UV glazing is recommended for all artworks, including oils, as all light can fade artworks, not just sunlight. Glazing also protects artworks from dust, grime, sneezes, fingerprints, and physical damage. Our projects are sealed in the back to guard against insects and other pests, with harder substrates included to prevent punctures. A gently sealed (not airtight) framing package creates a more stable environment, reducing temperature and humidity fluctuations and discouraging mold growth. Additionally, we seal the wood on frames to protect against acid and avoid direct contact between artwork and wood whenever possible.
Preservation:
We use archival quality mat boards, backing boards, and mounting materials. The term "acid-free" generally suggests the material is pH neutral. The highest conservation grade substrates are those that have been neutralized and buffered to slow oxidation or are alpha-cellulose mats with removed lignin. Solid cotton substrates meet preservation standards. For truly priceless projects, our mounting methods are non-invasive and completely reversible. In the examples shown, the artwork was in direct contact with an acidic wooden board and taped to a non-conservation grade mat board with masking tape. The glue couldn't be removed, causing the contact points to fade and burn the art paper.
Presentation:
We make it look GOOD! The appropriate style is relative to the client, the space, and the subject being framed. Browse our blog and social media for examples of our great designs. Because every framed artwork or item is unique, we offer appointments to ensure the time and care you and your projects deserve. Make an appointment today by calling 651-385-0500 or using our online scheduler at www.redwingframing.com.
Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!
Introducing Our New Referral Program: Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!
We're excited to announce our new referral program, "Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!" Here's how it works (and it's really easy):
Tell a friend about your fantastic experience at our shop. When your friend books an appointment with their project and mentions your name, we'll send you a $25 gift card to a local eatery of your choice! (See "The Food Part" below.)
Here's the fine print, in the same font size so you don't have to squint: The referred friend must spend at least $200 and be a new customer.
That's it! How you spread the word is entirely up to you. Whether it's through email, text, phone, in person, skywriting, social media messages, classified ads, a singing barber shop quartet, handwritten notes, or even carrier pigeons—we've got you covered. We also have handy-dandy referral cards available in the shop if you want to be official about it.
The Food Part
We're proudly partnered with the following Red Wing eateries. Enjoy delicious food AND top-notch framing at these fantastic local restaurants!
